Punk’s Not Dead, but Our Music Clubs Are Dying
Cultural erosion, closing down clubs, and crowding out of subcultures is not just Covid’s fault — it’s been a long time coming.
Music was my first love, and a good night out always involved some great live tunes. My buddies felt the same, and being part of subcultures, our tastes were specific: We were addicted to punk rock, oi punk, ska, hardcore, and metal. Over the years, weekend nights were spent in a handful of small live music venues in a 100-kilometer radius around our hometown.
Small clubs became our second living rooms, but with more freedom: We had some drinks, shared insider jokes with the bartender, observed the mixing desk guru. We danced like mad men and women under strobe lights. We met like-minded people, tied friendships for life, snogged in dark corners, cheered on our favorite bands. Those were the best times, and miss them dearly.
Because today feels different. Strolling around in neighborhoods formerly known for great nightlife and handmade live music, ranging from…
